About this course
Enhance your knowledge with a master's degree in music composition at the University of Southampton. You’ll graduate with the skills for a career in music or further research on a PhD.
Our MMus Music Composition programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of musical composition. On this course, you’ll learn:
- current trends in composition
- 20th and 21st century musical developments
- aesthetic, technical and critical issues in modern compositional practice
- in-depth analysis of your chosen compositional genres, materials, techniques and forms
Our academic staff are internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers, and established composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (for example, in film, TV and videogames), and jazz. These world-leading experts can offer you intensive one-to-one tuition in music history, culture and performance.
We offer a broad-based MMus programme with 4 specialist pathways:
- Composition
- Performance
- Musicology
- Music Education
On the Composition pathway, you’ll work towards the final goal of a composition portfolio. We’ll work with you to create a portfolio that’s relevant to your career aspirations. On completion of the course, you’ll be ready to:
- continue your research at a doctoral level
- work in the music industry or wider cultural sector
- become a teacher
- work as a freelance musician
You can mix your composition modules with topics from other MMus pathways to develop a wider range of skills and personalise the course to your interests.
Course lead
Your course leader has research interests in sound design and investigating the multimedia nature of music. Visit Dr Drew Crawford’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in music or a related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
For the Composition pathway, you’ll need to submit a portfolio of 2 to 4 compositions. These should total 15 to 20 minutes of music, showing your range and compositional techniques.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, designed to refine your professional writing and presentation skills, and prepare you for your final composition portfolio.
You’ll also take optional modules to personalise the course to your interests. Some of these modules are shared with our other MMus pathways.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your final composition portfolio.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module introduces you to the past and present of the international music industry. It focuses on infrastructure (artists, repertoires, distribution channels etc.) in order to help you understand the consumption of music as a practice on a global scal...
The Composition Portfolio is the principal component of the MMus in Composition and represents a year's concentrated work. You will work both individually and in tutorials throughout both semesters to develop and refine your compositional practice. You wi...
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices.
This module aims to enhance the quality of instrumental or vocal study, developing your technical resources and repertory leading to the presentation of a professional-length concert
The Dissertation is the final stage of the MMus in Musicology, completing work started in the Preparation for Final Project module. The aim of this module is to complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words or equivalent on a topic of your choice.
This module will bring the general skills learned in the first semester to bear on the preparation of an individual research project. You will also assemble a significant portion of your Final Project materials prior to writing up. This module consists...
This module introduces you to methodological approaches to musical studies and provides you with the professional skills necessary to write about music in different contexts
This module aims to enhance the quality of instrumental or vocal study, developing your technical resources and repertory leading to the presentation of a concert
You must also choose from the following modules:
Your work on this module will be guided by a selection of ‘classic’ and current innovative theoretical and analytical writings on music, which will challenge you to examine your assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music works. We will typ...
This module introduces you to the past and present of the international music industry. It focuses on infrastructure (artists, repertoires, distribution channels etc.) in order to help you understand the consumption of music as a practice on a global scal...
This module explores important historical and contemporary techniques and approaches to composition to give you a range of ways of thinking about creating, varying, transforming and organising musical materials. We will look at examples of compositional i...
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices.
Hip-hop is one of the most ubiquitous, lucrative and popular musics in the world. Although it emerged in the South Bronx (New York City) in the 1970s, the history of hip-hop goes far beyond the USA and includes myriad transnational exchanges. Hip-hop has ...
In-depth study of a specific area in music analysis, history, theory, music technology or creative practice.
In-depth study of a specific area in music analysis, history, theory, music technology or creative practice. The subject area of your research project is chosen in collaboration with the MMus Coordinator (within the range of topics for which the Departmen...
Interactive music and sound can be found in diverse forms, from video games and interactive installations through to data driven sonic art and works with audience/performer interventions. Such situations provide composers and sound artists with both exci...
Music Management Fundamentals lays advanced theoretical foundations for the practical work you will learn to do later in the Programme. Why is the international music business organised the way it is? What forces – technological, economic, political and c...
This module introduces the student to the use of reflective practice in professional development, enhancing their experience of performance teaching and providing them with a foundation for future learning and progress. Students attend practically-oriente...
This module introduces you to methodological approaches to musical studies and provides you with the professional skills necessary to write about music in different contexts
This module aims to enhance the quality of instrumental or vocal study, developing your technical resources and repertory leading to the presentation of a concert
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
In this module you will explore the operas by Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most influential composers. Britten’s operas are among the few 20th-century works that hold a central position in today’s operatic canon. They are produced regularly by world...
Learning and assessment
Learning
We’re committed to giving you a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience that will ensure you graduate with the skills and understanding you need for your chosen career or further research.
The learning activities for the Composition pathway include:
- tutor and student-led seminars
- individual tutorials
- independent research and practice
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, we’ll assess you through a combination of:
- group and individual presentations
- essays and analyses
- your final composition portfolio
Dissertation
Your final composition portfolio is the main part of the Composition pathway. You’ll produce 35 minutes of compositions and a 3000-word commentary on the technical and aesthetic elements of your work.
Alternatively, you can submit a larger portfolio of 40 minutes with a 1000-word commentary.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
- historic, modern and electric pianos
- less-common orchestral and historic instruments
- drum kit and basic PA system/amps
- a loud rehearsal room and department practice rooms
- recording studios
- specialist music software
- use of Turner Sims concert hall facilities for recitals
Careers
We recognise that music has increasingly become a 'portfolio career' and aim to provide our students with a platform for success in whatever area of music their aspirations lie.
A master’s degree will help you to develop the key skills that employers look for, such as:
- time, deadline and project management
- problem solving
- teamwork, relationship-building and working independently
- cultural awareness
- critical thinking and research analysis
Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a sample of music composition/performance
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
